Uxbridge – Richard M. Welch, 51, of Uxbridge, formerly of Shrewsbury, died peacefully Friday, Oct. 18, 2013 in the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence, surrounded by his loving family.
Richard is survived by his devoted wife of 19 years, Jacqueline (Dell”Erba) Welch; his in-laws, Matteo and Romana Dell”Erba of Worcester; two brother-in-laws, John Dell”Erba of Grafton, N.H. and Marty Dell”Erba and his wife Cathy of Shrewsbury; a sister-in-law, Christine Dell”Erba of Sunapee, N.H.; his sister, Susan Welch and her partner Janet Delano of Marlborough; and three half-sisters, Sara, Dana, and Heather. In addition, he leaves a niece, Rachel Stockwell and her husband Quentin, and their children Aidan and Elliot; nephews, Matthew, James, Christopher, and William; many aunts, uncles; and a maternal grandmother. He also leaves his loving feline friends, Maybelline and Carmella.
Richard was born in Worcester, son of the late Richard H. Welch and Patricia M. (Cusson) Welch, and lived in Shrewsbury then Worcester for many years before moving to Uxbridge. He received his early schooling in Shrewsbury and then attended Central New England and Quinsigamond Community College.
Richard was a computer programmer for many years with the New York Life Insurance Company and also loved his work as a former bartender at Shabooms, Tiano's, and Chevys.
Richard was a car enthusiast and loved to fix things; He was an exceptional handy-man, and loved spending time with his family at his summer home on the Cape. He had an easy going personality and was loved by many. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Richard's funeral service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m., in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Calling hours with the family will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606, or to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215 (designated for Brain Tumor Research).
To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit Richard's memorial site at www.mercadantefuneral.com.
